A recent report has revealed that 2,750 pro-life pregnancy resource centers in the United States provided nearly $367.9 million worth of pregnancy services and material goods to clients and their families in 2022.
The report, released by the pro-life Charlotte Lozier Institute, indicates that the value of goods and services provided in 2022 was over one-third higher than in 2019, totaling more than $100 million. These services included diapers, baby formula, ultrasounds, health care, and educational resources.
Specifically, the report highlights that these centers provided nearly $176 million in free medical services, more than $113.3 million in free education and support services, and over $78.5 million in material resources. Collectively, the centers conducted more than 16 million virtual and in-person sessions with clients.
From 2019 to 2022, there was significant growth in several areas. Material services and baby items distributed to families increased by 194%. Additionally, there was a 41% increase in participation in parenting and prenatal education programs and a 27% increase in testing for sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
The report also noted an 18% increase in paid staff and a 26% increase in paid medical staff between 2019 and 2022. Of the paid staff, 27% (4,779 people) have medical licenses, and 12% of volunteers (5,396 people) also have medical licenses. Over 80% of the centers provided medical services.
Michael New, a senior associate scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, told CNA that the demand for services has risen since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. This decision has led to increased donations and more state government funding for some centers, facilitating their growth.
Client satisfaction surveys in 2022 showed a high approval rate of 97.4%, indicating that clients were generally pleased with the assistance received.
Despite the positive impact and high satisfaction rates, pregnancy resource centers have faced criticism from pro-abortion Democratic lawmakers and attorneys general. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against 11 pregnancy resource centers, accusing them of making misleading claims about the abortion pill reversal drug. Although some studies support the drug’s effectiveness, James cited disputes over its efficacy to argue that the centers’ claims were false.
The Charlotte Lozier Institute report noted a 142% increase in the provision of abortion pill reversal drugs from 2019 to 2022.
New stated that the Democratic Party has shifted significantly to the left on abortion since the Supreme Court’s decision, but maintained that pro-abortion activists’ accusations against these centers are unfounded, given the high client satisfaction ratings.
The report also highlighted that the number of pregnancy resource centers operating maternity homes nearly doubled from 24 in 2019 to 46 in 2023.
